A Travel Price Comparison for India Jaisalmer vs. Kolkata (Calcutta) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jaisalmer or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Jaisalmer or Kolkata (Calcutta)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Jaisalmer or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Jaisalmer?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $37, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $37. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jaisalmer and Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jaisalmer $13
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jaisalmer $26
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Kolkata (Calcutta)

Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer or Kolkata (Calcutta)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Jaisalmer


Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta)


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $10
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $10
  • Private One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $12
  • From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Sam / Khuri Sand Dunes: $18
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Sam Sand Dunes: $19
  • Pokhran Airport transfer: $28
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
  • From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $43
  • One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $45
  • From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
  • From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):

  • The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $150
  • Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
  • Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport to Kolkata: $59
  • Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) and Jaisalmer change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jaisalmer $13
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $14
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:


  • Dinner
    $4.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
  • Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $30
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $38
  • 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
  • DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55
  • DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
  • Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
  • Half Day City Tour of Jaisalmer visit Sunset by Camel Ride with Dinner: $56
  • Half Day City Tour of Jaisalmer Sunset at Sand Dunes & Dinner: $64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).

  • Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
  • Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner: $41
  • Alleyway Food Tour: $42
  • Dinner Cruise on Ganges Kolkata 3Hrs: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.59

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.

  • Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $6.13
  • private golden city heritage tour: $12
  • Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $12
  • Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
  • Private Guided City Tour with Golden Fort Visit: $12
  • Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $12
  • Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer- Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Vibrant Markets of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Golden City Photography Guided Tour to Capture City Hues: $13
  • Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Jaisalmer Tuk-Tuk Private Full Day Tour with Pick-up: $17

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:

  • 02 Days Guided Private Tour of Kolkata : $225
  • All inclusive full day tour of kolkata: $105
  • Best of Kolkata (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $82
  • Calcutta Contrast Tour: $37
  • Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
  • Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour: $197
  • Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $120
  • Full Day City Tour Of Kolkata With Guide: $55
  • Full Day Kolkata City Tour : $153
  • Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour of Kolkata: $286
  • Gangasagar Pilgrimage - Private Day Tour from Kolkata: $200
  • Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jaisalmer $9.23
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.27


When comparing the travel costs between Jaisalmer and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer and Kolkata (Calcutta), keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

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